Washington Monument reopens after earthquake

Students from Bridge Street Middle School in Wheeling, W.Va., walk at the Washington Monument in Washington, Monday, May 12, 2014, ahead of a ceremony to celebrate its re-opening. The monument, which sustained damage from an earthquake in August 2011, is reopening to the public today.
(AP Photo)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Monument has reopened to the public, 33 months after an earthquake damaged the stone obelisk.

After a morning ceremony, the 555-foot stone monument that was once the tallest structure in the world reopened to visitors Monday afternoon.

In August 2011, the monument’s white marble and mortar were cracked during an unusual 5.8-magnitude earthquake that sent visitors scrambling as debris fell. New exhibits have been installed, and visitors can once again ride an elevator to look out from the highest point in the nation’s capital.

Tickets for the 130-year-old monument were available on a first-come, first-served basis Monday. After that, visitors must reserve tickets online, but they’re already booked into June. The National Park Service is offering extended hours through the summer.